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“T-thanks,” I managed.

She put her arms out. “I might not always understand, but I love you. I’m sorry that we let traditions get in the way of good sense. I’m trying to tweak the betrothal process so prospective mates apply, and the witches can pick.”

She laughed nervously. “Letting you all pick. Can you imagine?”

I grinned. Yes, I could.

“Thanks, mom.”

I moved forward and collapsed into her arms, taking in the scent of her lavender and patchouli perfume.

After a moment she withdrew, sniffing slightly.

“I’d love to stay, but perhaps another time. Cassandra is the first witch up to use our newchoosingmethod and I want to make sure those witches go through with it!” she prattled excitedly.

“Did you want to come?”

Her head tilted to the side, just like I did when I was anxious.

The six sins gathered around me, Gluttony last, hovering from the front door as the others hugged me.

“Thanks,” I began, “but I’m good here. I’m a sin now.”

Lust’s hand found mine. Pride leaned against my side. Greed ruffled my hair and Envy smiled. Gluttony kept a careful eye on all of us from the door. Sloth gave my mother a lazy grin.

“I can see that,” she laughed.

“Well, good luck!”

She disappeared in a swirl of purple and sparkles. I’d never figured out how to get the sparkles.

“Dinner is ready,” Gluttony said succinctly.

I let the others guide me back inside. The house felt a little quieter and emptier. But for the first time ever, that wasn’t a bad thing.

I knelt at the window,pressing my fingers into the soil. The Sins gathered behind me—Pride, Lust, Envy, Greed, Sloth, Gluttony—each one silent, watching, their presence a shield and a comfort. Diana set a teacup beside me, her smile gentle.

Sloth took the daisy, and handed it to me with a nod. My throat was tight as I planted it in the waiting soil. Magick sparked at my fingertips—gold and green and every color that now lived inside me. For a moment, nothing happened.

Then, slowly, the daisy straightened, petals reaching for the sun. Another bud unfurled beside it, blooming in impossible time—a promise of more to come.

I looked up, blinking away tears I hadn’t meant to shed. All the Sins were there, close enough to touch, their faces alight with pride, hope, and something soft I’d once thought I’d never deserve.

“I never thought I’d have this,” I whispered. “Not after...everything.”

Pride touched my shoulder, steady as ever. “You earned it.”

Lust grinned, sliding an arm around my waist. “You made it.”

Gluttony pressed a kiss to my temple. “You’re home.”

I smiled, feeling it deep and true. “Till death and daisies bloom,” I said, the words a spell and a promise all at once.

For the first time since I’d clawed my way out of that grave, I didn’t feel lost. I felt rooted—planted in a place that loved me back.

As the others gathered around, laughter and light filling the kitchen once more, I looked at the daisy on the windowsill—proof that something beautiful could grow from broken things.

And I knew, whatever storms might come, I had found my forever.